Redwood National Park is way from only a nationwide park. It is dwelling to a few of the tallest timber on the planet – redwoods (scientifically often known as sequoia sempervirens). Nature and mountaineering lovers will love strolling the paths by old-growth forests and the lots of and lots of of redwood timber. Redwood National Park is well one of many finest locations to go to within the United States and has mountaineering trails to match. You’ll discover a few of the finest hikes in California and the United States – with photograph alternatives galore.
So, we’ve established that Redwood National Park is unquestionably price visiting. Its tall timber make it one of the iconic nationwide parks within the nation. But what do you want to know earlier than you go? This information will cowl all of the important particulars, plus a number of bonus sections. We’ve acquired rather a lot to cowl, so let’s get began.
What is the historical past of Redwood National Park?
Every conventional story begins in the beginning, and Redwood National Park has fairly the story. Initially, the nationwide park was dwelling to totally different teams of Native American Indians who had a radical information of the park and its natural world. The tribes principally lived off deer, fish, nuts, and berries. They additionally believed within the Spirit Beings, a predecessor race to the people who acted as guides, displaying folks how to dwell on the land.
Redwood National Park first entered European colonizers’ radars when gold was found within the Trinity River across the 1850s. After that, flocks of Europeans got here to settle in what’s now Redwood National Park and its surrounding areas.
The Europeans had been extremely hostile to the present Native American Indians, and lots of had been paid by the state to conduct murders to push the native folks off of the land. While the motion did lead to tragic massacres, it failed its general intention to wipe out all of the Native American Indians in Redwood National Park. Yurok, Hupa, Tolowa, and Karuk communities nonetheless dwell on reservations throughout and across the nationwide park.
It is important to pay attention to the socio-political historical past of Redwood National Park earlier than visiting, simply to comprehend the significance of the land and acknowledge its darkish previous.
Taking the story again to the 1850s gold rush, one other trade that boomed at the moment was logging. The tall timber had been a gold mine for immigrants arriving within the park, as their dimension and sturdiness made them prized and extremely wanted. Just three years later, in 1853, the area already had 9 sawmills.
By the flip of the century, folks had been starting to develop into involved about preserving the tiny remaining quantity of redwood timber. Out of those issues, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods had been fashioned. The determination to create state parks hoped to counteract a few of the impacts of logging, creating secure areas for some redwoods to develop.
However, forming these three state parks was not sufficient to eradicate logging issues. In 1930, chainsaws and bulldozers allowed for a good larger price of destruction, and logging capability elevated tenfold. When it acquired to the Nineteen Sixties, nearly 90% of old-growth redwoods had been misplaced.
Partially in response to this, the Redwood National Park was formally created in 1968. Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Trillium Falls Trail, and Tall Trees Grove had been all saved from additional logging by giving the land an official title and guarded standing. Protected areas within the area had been rising, and now Redwood National Park had an actual, acknowledged identify – an necessary step within the park’s historical past.
In 1978, the federal government bought greater than 10,000 acres from non-public logging corporations – enlarging the nationwide park boundaries and defending much more land. Despite all these efforts, simply 5% of the unique old-growth redwood forest stays at this time throughout California.
Redwood National Park is significant in preserving the tree and its legacy. Charities like Save the Redwoods League are nonetheless preventing to restore lands broken throughout logging occasions that usually occurred over fifty years in the past. Redwood National Park has a tragic historical past in contrast to different nationwide parks.
The injury will take a long time to heal – by no means thoughts starting to reverse the injury. But its historical past can be a triumphant story and armed with all its backstory, guests will respect the worth of the Redwood National Park ten occasions extra.
Best issues to do in Redwood National Park
Now that you simply’ve acquired the historical past of the nationwide park and its redwood timber let’s take a look at the perfect issues to do in Redwood National Park. The park has a lot to do – whether or not you need to hike, discover its smaller state parks, or cycle. Allow a minimum of a full day to go to and tick off a number of of those improbable actions, and, if attainable, keep for a number of days to per week to expertise the perfect of the park.
Ready to be impressed? This part will cowl all the perfect issues to do within the Redwood National and State Parks. The area consists of 4 areas: Redwood National Park, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park.
We’ll break up issues up by every park, so you will get a transparent thought of which actions finest mix collectively.
Redwood National Park
Let’s begin with the principle park – Redwood National Park. You simply want an entire day simply to respect Redwood National Park. If you might be brief on time, you’ll want to prioritize successfully to see the highest points of interest of your selection. These are our prime 5.
1. Walk Lady Bird Johnson Grove
Lady Bird Johnson Grove is a phenomenal reserve in Redwood National Park. The space is called after the previous First Lady in recognition of her tireless environmental efforts. Visitors can stroll by Lady Bird Johnson Grove utilizing the 1.4-mile scenic path. You’ll discover loads of info boards and photo-worthy stops, so enable between an hour and two hours to full the path leisurely.
2. Visit Redwood Creek Overlook
Redwood Creek Overlook is a famend sundown spot. This is the proper spot if you would like a romantic place to end a busy day in Redwood National Park. The overlook is ready on a slight vantage level, so that you look down over a valley of timber. Often, a lightweight mist cloaks a lot of the forest beneath, which is an extremely gorgeous sight.
Don’t rush off after sundown, because the overlook is a superb place for star gazing. Bring a blanket and a heat drink, and settle in for the night.
3. Visit Bald Hills
The Bald Hills sharply distinction Redwood National Park’s old-growth forests. As their identify may recommend, the Bald Hills are nearly completely empty of timber. Instead, you’ll discover meadows and open prairie. Visiting the Bald Hills is among the finest issues to do in Redwood National Park to expertise a contrasting panorama to old-growth redwoods.
One of the perfect methods to go to is to drive alongside Bald Hills Road. Lady Bird Johnson Grove is situated on the primary three miles of Bald Hills Road, so it is a wonderful attraction to mix with a scenic drive by the prairies.
4. Walk Tall Trees Trail
Tall Trees Trail is a 4.5-mile return hike that whisks you away to Tall Trees Grove. The grove is among the most well-known areas inside Redwood National Park, thanks to a National Geographic Magazine revealed in 1963. National Geographic lined Tall Trees Grove because the nationwide park’s main attraction, and the grove has attracted substantial crowds since.
Be conscious that Tall Trees Trail is ranked as a difficult route. There is a 487-meter elevation change, and the path can get moist and slippery to solely sort out the route in good circumstances and with ample clothes.
5. Go on a horseback using path
Going horseback using is an thrilling means to discover Redwood National Park and gives a unique perspective than exploring on foot. Redwood Trails Horse Rides provide scenic path rides by the nationwide park and are extremely rated as a dependable tour operator. Most tour operators enable you to get shut to the redwoods and supply details about the native space. A guided tour and a horseback journey? It seems like a win to us.
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Next up is Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is located with a part of its boundaries alongside the west coast. It is a sizzling spot for wildlife recognizing (particularly elk). It is the place to begin of Redwood National and State Parks’ main backpacking path. Excited? You must be.
1. See the Roosevelt Elk
Roosevelt elk are the most effective animals to spot in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Roosevelt elk are the biggest kind of elk in North America and are named after former President Roosevelt. They dwell in massive herds and are unimaginable to spot and {photograph}. If you might be visiting Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, recognizing Roosevelt elk must be on the prime of your listing.
Elk Prairie, Elk Meadow, and Gold Bluffs Beach are all prime locations to see Roosevelt elk in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
2. Hike the Coastal Trail
If you’re keen on multi-day mountaineering journeys, the Coastal Trail is among the finest issues to do when visiting Redwood National Park and State Parks. The path is a part of the 1,200-mile California Coastal Trail. But, until you’ve acquired numerous time in your arms, we suggest finishing the Redwood National and State Parks part of the path. It begins in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and stretches 70 miles alongside the shoreline. You’ll spot redwoods, gorgeous seashores, views of the Pacific Ocean, wildlife like elk, and perhaps even whales.
Short on time? Gold Bluffs Beach to Fern Canyon is a phenomenal part completely suited to a day hike.
3. Drive Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
Prefer to drive fairly than stroll? No downside. Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is a beautiful ten-mile highway that winds by old-growth redwoods. There are quite a few locations the place you will get out to stretch your legs and snap photographs if you want. But, in any other case, it’s simply the proper place to simply cruise by for gorgeous views and minimal effort.
Allow a number of hours to drive the parkway leisurely. A number of hours must also be loads of time to bounce out often for images, a brief stroll, or a picnic.
4. Hike Trillium Falls
Trillium Falls is a brief, nearly 3-mile loop that takes you thru an old-growth forest, previous a sawmill, and to a waterfall on the stunning endpoint. The hike is family-friendly, with a number of straightforward switchbacks and very average elevation achieve.
It is a photogenic and stress-free route, and Trillium Falls is the final word reward in your efforts. The endpoint of the hike overlooks the waterfall from a metal bridge – offering a phenomenal vantage level to admire the crashing falls.
5. Visit Fern Canyon
Wave hey to Hollywood as a result of Fern Canyon was a filming location for Jurassic Park 2. The canyons (as you might have guessed) are lined in ferns, and the impact is mesmerizing. It is not any marvel that Fern Canyon caught the eyes of film producers. The canyon partitions are 50 ft excessive.
You should full a brief mile-long loop path to attain Fern Canyon. Allow round half an hour to full the loop, plus just a little further time to cease, admire, and snap photographs of Fern Canyon itself.
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park is among the finest locations to admire the Redwood National and State Parks shoreline. You’ll have scenic coastal drives and overlooks galore. With some luck, you’ll even spot whales should you go to Redwood National Park throughout winter or early spring. Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park is filled with actions. Let’s get began.
1. Drive the Scenic Coastal Drive
This eight-mile scenic drive is gorgeous. The route winds alongside the California Coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and also you’ll expertise the fantastic thing about the redwoods assembly the ocean. It is a phenomenal factor to do, and it makes logistical sense, too, because it connects Del Norte State Park with Prairie Creek State Park.
If you intend to discover each state parks, simply incorporate the Coastal Drive into your journey. Make certain to add it to your itinerary – even whether it is simply to take the scenic route from A to B.
2. Whale Watch at Klamath River Overlook
Who doesn’t love whale watching? Klamath River Overlook is a phenomenal place to spot whales from by winter and early spring. At these occasions of the 12 months, you principally spot migrating Californian grey whales. Sometimes, you may as well spot humpbacks and blue whales. We recommend bringing a heat blanket and drink – you’ll want to be affected person, however the effort is worth it while you spot a pod.
3. Visit Enderts Beach
Enderts Beach is finest identified for its rock swimming pools. Stop by to peer into the swimming pools, and perhaps you’ll spot starfish (or a minimum of a number of crabs and fish). Enderts Beach is a superb spot to have a traditional seashore expertise and luxuriate in any hotter climate.
4. Hike the Damnation Creek Trail
While solely round 4-miles in size, Damnation Creek Trail is among the most difficult within the area. You can count on a steep elevation achieve and can want an awesome health stage to full the path in good time. The draw? An exquisite cliff-side redwood forest and the satisfaction of finishing a difficult route.
5. Visit False Klamath Cove
False Klamath Cove is prime picnicking territory and has a romantic, wild-feeling ambiance. The small seashore is plagued by stones in an easy ‘I am beautiful without being pristine’ means. There are additionally informative signposts with info on native marine life.
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is our ultimate state park to cowl. The park is dwelling to the Smith River and is situated additional inland than the opposite two state parks. It will get its identify from the explorer Jedediah Smith. It is dwelling to a few of the most spectacular redwoods and forest trails within the Redwood National and State Parks. Ready to hear extra? We’ve acquired some nice points of interest lined up.
1. Drive Howland Hill Road
This scenic drive is for the adventurous solely. The National Park Service warns that the highway ‘is suitable for drivers not afraid of dust and getting very, very close to redwoods’. If that sounds thrilling, the ten-mile drive might be up your avenue. Allow round an hour to full the route, plus a bit longer to account for any stops.
2. Walk Boy Scout Tree Trail
Boy Scout Tree Trail is a improbable mid-length hike when visiting Redwood National Park. It is round 5.5 miles lengthy and consists of many factors of curiosity, together with Fern Falls. Get prepared to snap numerous photographs. It is of average issue, and you must enable round 4 to 5 hours to full the hike.
3. Walk Stout Grove
Speaking of images, Stout Grove is among the most photographed spots in the entire Redwood National and State Parks. The grove is comparatively small, however you may simply spend an hour or so there. Some timber develop to round 90 meters in peak, and the forest surroundings is breathtaking.
4. Go fishing on the Smith River
If you’re keen on fishing, Jedediah Smith State Park is the place to go. The state park is legendary for salmon and steelhead from October to February, whereas summer time is finest for cutthroat trout. What might be higher than a day of fishing alongside the riverside? It is among the most stress-free issues within the Redwood National and State Parks.
5. Mountain bike the Little Bald Hills Trail to South Fork Road
The Little Bald Hills Trail to South Fork Road is a 19.6-mile path shared by bikers, horseback riders, and hikers. But, for a unique expertise after all of the mountaineering trails, we propose mountain biking the path. You’ll cross loads of native flora like bear grass and wind your means by stunning redwood forests. Are Jedediah Smith redwoods the perfect of all? We’ll allow you to determine.
Nearby parks to go to from Redwood National Park
So, these are the three state parks which can be included within the nationwide park boundaries. But loads of different California state parks boast redwood groves, a few of that are only a brief drive from the Redwood National and State Parks.
These are the perfect close by parks to go to from Redwood National Park.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Humboldt Redwoods State Park is California’s third largest state park and encompasses a staggering 53,000 acres. It is most well-known for the Avenue of Giants – a 31.5-mile scenic drive that takes drivers on tour by the perfect of the park.
Sue-Meg State Park
Just additional down the coast, Sue-Meg State Park is a superb day journey from Redwood National Park. If you need close by points of interest, it doesn’t get extra attention-grabbing than a go to to Sue-Meg. The state park has numerous cultural points of interest and historic websites, like a preserved conventional Yurok plank home.
Harry A Merlo State Recreation Area
Harry A Merlo State Recreation Area is situated simply exterior Redwood National Park. The space is sufficiently small to discover in an hour. However, it gives a unique panorama than you usually discover contained in the nationwide park. The space sits on the sting of the Big Lagoon and is predominately wetlands. If you get fortunate, it additionally has a resident herd of elk that you could be spot.
Redwood National Park FAQs
Now that we’ve lined all of the thrilling bits, what concerning the important sensible particulars? This is every part you want to learn about visiting Redwood National Park – from actual location and transportation choices to how to get a free allow and the place to keep.
Where is Redwood National Park?
So, the place is Redwood National Park? The nationwide park and its state parks are situated in Northern California, hugging a big part of the California coast and spreading inland towards Six Rivers National Forest. The nationwide park and state parks are comparatively unfold out from one another, so be ready to do a little bit of driving to see all of them.
Redwood National Park is situated simply south of Orick. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is shut to Redwood National Park and instantly north of Orick.
Del Norte and Jedediah Smith State Parks are additionally situated shut collectively, about an hour’s drive north of Redwood and Prairie Creek. Del Norte Coast State Park is south of Crescent City (42 miles north of Orick). Prairie Creek is situated instantly east of Crescent City.
How to get to Redwood National Park
The easiest method is to fly into Eureka-Arcata Airport or Crescent City Airport. You can hire a automobile from right here and simply proceed your journey with a brief drive into the nationwide park or to your lodging. Those brief on time ought to select this technique of getting to Redwood National Park. It will enable you to maximize your time exploring the park and scale back pointless journey time.
Of course, should you don’t thoughts a six-hour drive, you may discover flying to San Francisco Airport cheaper. If you might be flying internationally, you might have to stopover in San Francisco anyway. In that case, hire a automobile and highway journey your means to Redwood National Park – stopping at points of interest and state parks alongside the best way.
This possibility is finest for many who have loads of time, need to get monetary savings on flights, and are up for including an additional journey to the expertise. It can be price including that many individuals add the redwood timber at Redwood National Park as one of many ultimate points of interest on a West Coast highway journey.
Don’t drive? Not an issue. You can hop on a Greyhound bus. A Greyhound service runs between Crescent City and Arcata twice each day, six days per week (don’t attempt to catch it on a Sunday). It is sort of possible to journey to Redwood National Park utilizing Greyhound buses. You’ll simply want to plan forward to keep away from getting stranded and be assured with timekeeping.
Another possibility is to guide a tour of Redwood National Park that features transfers. If you don’t thoughts a whistle-stop tour and are completely satisfied for the tour operator to set the tempo, this can be a good way to attain the park and match rather a lot right into a small period of time with out driving. This might be the costliest possibility, however it’s positively the best should you don’t drive.
Best time to go to Redwood National Park
As a fast reply, the perfect time to go to Redwood National Park is in spring. The temperatures are milder, the rain is beginning to dwindle off, and also you’ve acquired all the brand new types of life sprouting up. Since Redwood National Park is finest for out of doors actions like mountaineering and all its most important points of interest are open air, these are all important components to contemplate.
The peak season to go to Redwood National Park is between May and September. While it isn’t like different nationwide parks that get utterly crowded, you may discover visiting extra stress-free exterior of this era. Late March or April are thought-about good months to choose.
Are March and April off the desk for some purpose? Fall is the subsequent best option since it is usually a shoulder season, and the climate remains to be comparatively gentle.
Last however not least, winter is chilly and moist, so that you’ll want to be hardy and well-prepared to go to then. We wouldn’t suggest it should you don’t like being open air in unhealthy climate. It is the least in style time to go to Redwood National Park. But should you don’t thoughts the moist and the wind, then it may be a superb selection to keep away from crowds as a lot as attainable.
What to pack to go to Redwood National Park
After speaking about moist and chilly climate, it won’t shock you that the primary issues in your packing listing must be waterproof. You ought to have a water-proof coat, mountaineering boots, and even perhaps waterproof trousers (particularly should you go to throughout winter). The last item you need is to slip and get soaked on a path or get caught midway round a hike in a downpour.
Next, you need heat however breathable layers. Merino wool is a very fashionable selection, and also you’ll discover all kinds of base layers obtainable on this materials. Aim to have thermal leggings/trousers and a long-sleeved thermal prime. You can then add or take away outer layers as obligatory.
When mountaineering, a torch, bug spray, suncream (you by no means know), a hat, bear spray, and a conveyable charger are all must-brings. It is perhaps a good suggestion to convey a primary support package, too, particularly if you would like to sort out a few of the longer, extra distant hikes. And should you’re going to camp, you’ll additionally want all of your tenting tools.
And what good are all these things with out something to carry them in? You ought to have two baggage – a small mountaineering backpack and no matter bag you might be completely satisfied to go away at your lodging.
Last however not least, we’d actually suggest a digicam. After all, you’ll be getting up shut with the world’s tallest tree species. You’ll want recollections of your expertise.
Where to keep in Redwood National Park
You’ve acquired all the data you want, besides the place to keep. These are the perfect funds, mid-range, and luxurious choices. Let’s have a look.
Budget: Gold Bluffs Beach Campground
If backcountry tenting is a bit out of your consolation zone, Gold Bluffs Beach Campground is a phenomenal entry level. Plus, you’ll be tenting straight on the seashore, which absolutely has acquired to be the most effective budget-friendly lodging decisions within the US.
The services are additionally glorious; you’ll have showers, restrooms, fireplace pits, and even bear-proof lockers.
Mid-range: Holiday Inn Express Redwood National Park
This modern property is the proper mid-range lodging selection in Redwood National Park. It is located in Klamath and has the perfect location to discover close by points of interest just like the Coastal Drive and Klamath River Overlook.
Each room comes with an en-suite, seating space, and coffee-making services. Some choices embody further options like a microwave and a complimentary continental breakfast. There is numerous flexibility inside Holiday Inn Express’ room decisions which inserts a variety of mid-range budgets. Check costs and availability on Tripadvisor.
Luxury: Oreq-W Ranch House
Oreq-W Ranch House is a sole-use vacation dwelling with two bedrooms and a settee mattress obtainable in the lounge. It is a perfect luxurious getaway for a small group or household. Located in central Orick, company can have quick access to the Redwood National and State Parks, plus all of the comforts of a house on the town.
The property comes with free wi-fi and a backyard to take pleasure in. If you need that dwelling away from dwelling really feel, you may’t discover far more luxurious.
Final Tip
Don’t neglect to cease by one of many park’s customer facilities. Hiouchi Visitor Center and Kuchel Visitor Center are two of essentially the most built-up. However, all customer facilities are sensible locations to choose up a park map, get knowledgeable recommendation, and use the bathroom and water services. Keep a watch out and use them as pit stops as you discover.
To Conclude
Visiting Redwood National Park is clearly one in your bucket listing. The park is a captivating place to go to, and seeing the world’s tallest timber up shut is a reminiscence that may final a lifetime.
Hopefully, after studying this information, you’ll have realized how far more Redwood National Park has to provide apart from its tall timber. The nationwide park is various and thrilling – full of points of interest, actions, and lodging decisions. Have an unimaginable time.